NordVPN's $3.49 per month subscription includes far more than a VPN. You're getting a comprehensive security and privacy bundle.
Along with an encrypted internet connection, that price includes everything from proactive protection against identity breaches to secure LAN networks.
But how does that translate to your everyday privacy? Here are 5 ways NordVPN’s price translates to a more secure browsing experience, including Meshnet, SmartPlay, Dark Web Monitoring, Devices, and 24/7 protection.
- NordVPN’s plans now offer far more than merely a VPN extension, extending into scam protection, password management and more
- Beginners can easily use this to access the security tools needed to secure their daily life without paying for separate subscriptions.
- With 10 device connections and router support available, you can also spread this cost by protecting every device in your home.
1. Access files from anywhere with Meshnet
Meshnet is the perfect way to remotely access files, transfer items between devices, or set up local multiplayer games with other computers as though you were in the same room.
It creates a secure Local Access Network (LAN) using NordVPN’s infrastructure. You can use Meshnet to connect up to 60 devices at any one time. This means no matter your location, none of your devices are out of reach.
This may seem niche; however if you’re travelling and need quick access to home devices it’s a must-have. For example, if a freelancer were travelling to an event, and needed to access designs stored on their home computer to use on the road, Meshnet would allow them to do this in seconds.
What separates this from other LAN tools is the addition of NordVPN’s security. All file transfers are encrypted, meaning your files are protected against unwanted snoopers trying to gain access. Meshnet is included with your NordVPN plan at no extra cost, and works across all major mobile and desktop platforms – one of several tools beyond the VPN itself.
To get set up with Meshnet
- Sign up for a NordVPN account (this is free!)
- Log into NordVPN on all the devices you want added to your secure network
- On each device, head to the ‘Meshnet’ section and toggle it on
- Check that all the devices you expect to be connected are
- Start using your secure local network to transfer files, access devices remotely, and more!
2. Stream seamlessly using SmartPlay
Although streaming services constantly try to block VPNs, NordVPN’s SmartPlay assures you’re never left blocked when you’re after a binge-watch anywhere in the world.
Unlike normal Smart DNS, SmartPlay works alongside your VPN connection. This means rather than only switching your DNS server when your access is blocked, SmartPlay works with your VPN to hide your IP, encrypt your connection, and keep you watching the shows you love, no matter the streaming service.
SmartPlay is also always on. This means if, say, you want to watch shows from home using your VPN while you’re abroad, SmartPlay is working from the moment you connect to ensure you don’t encounter geo-blocking suddenly that’ll keep you from watching.
3. Protect your identity with Dark Web Monitoring
A VPN connection won’t do everything. Thankfully, NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring tool takes away the uncertainty of whether your personal details are being sold online after a data breach.
NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring scans dark web forums and markets for your information, including email addresses, phone numbers, ID, Social Security numbers, and credit cards. It runs constantly in the background, meaning once you’re set up, you needn’t worry unless it flags that a breach has been detected.
If you find yourself a victim of a data breach, Dark Web Monitoring will alert you, and, more importantly, walk you through the steps to resecuring your account. This is especially useful if you’ve not experienced a data breach previously and don’t know how best to resecure your personal information.
4. NordVPN delivers protection for the whole home
NordVPN’s 10 simultaneous connections are more than enough for any size household. You’re not forced to register devices; instead, you can protect any 10 devices at once.
So, if, for example, you’ve got a smart TV, work laptop, home computer, phone, and tablet you want to protect, you’re not even close to running out of connections.
How can I protect more than 10 devices with NordVPN?
If you are considering adding more devices, you’ve also got the option to utilize NordVPN’s router VPN support. Once set up, this encrypts any traffic sent from devices connected to your home Wi-Fi network, without using up multiple simultaneous connections.
This is also useful with devices such as game consoles or smart home devices. Since these don’t support VPNs being installed directly onto them, you can gain the same security benefits without the need for an app.
Thankfully, protocols such as NordLynx also ensure that you won’t see any major impact on your broadband speeds. Our testing showed NordLynx could comfortably achieve speeds over 1000 Mbps, perfect for multi-device houses that need to game, stream, and download on a regular basis.
5. All-day security
24/7 VPN protection is an easy way to ensure your data is never at risk. Thankfully, NordVPN has 3 main ways to ensure you’re always protected: automatically activating on unsecured networks (Auto-connect), cutting your internet if the VPN drops to prevent data leaks (Kill switch), and storing zero logs on diskless, RAM-only servers under Panama’s privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Auto-connect
Auto-connect allows you to create specific rules that will trigger the VPN to turn on. For example, if you were to connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi in a café, NordVPN could be set to turn on once the network is detected.
Kill switch
A kill switch cuts your device’s internet connection in situations where your VPN connection drops. This stops data leaving the device while unencrypted without you realising, protecting you against unexpected snooping.
RAM-only servers
NordVPN’s network of servers is completely diskless. It uses only RAM to ensure no data can be logged while you’re connected to the VPN. If less secure methods were used, data could be used to identify you if authorities submitted a legal request.
That said, NordVPN operates under Panama’s jurisdiction, making it highly unlikely any such requests would be allowed to proceed anyway. What’s more, NordVPN operates a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited six times, confirming no user data is stored.
VPNs are steadily evolving into full security suites, and NordVPN already bundles most of what you need to stay protected online every day into one subscription. To see more ways you can be protected, head to the NordVPN website.
FAQs
Why do people choose NordVPN over cheaper VPNs?
People often choose NordVPN over cheaper VPNs due to its superior security credentials and more reliable performance. More specifically, it’s regularly proven to be the most reliable streaming VPN available, and its huge server network means you can access these capabilities from anywhere.
Is NordVPN a good choice for someone switching from a free VPN?
Yes, NordVPN is a good choice for someone switching from a free VPN. You can access a far greater number of servers worldwide, experience faster speeds, and connect up to 10 devices at one time. What’s more NordVPN has an audited no-logs policy, and runs on secure, RAM-only servers, which many free VPNs avoid.
Does NordVPN offer good long-term value compared to free VPNs?
Yes, NordVPN offers far greater value long-term compared to free VPNs. While free VPNs have no financial impact, they balance this by compromising privacy through use of ads, or compromising performance with limited server networks, data caps, and few features. NordVPN, by contrast, pairs an independently audited no-logs policy with servers across 224+ locations worldwide. NordVPN's subscription includes several tools that would cost more as separate products than the plan itself.